x

Willie to Tighten Up - Ipswich Town News

Assistant boss Willie Donachie says he is determined to tighten up Town's defence next season. The Blues have conceded 64 goals so far during 2005/06.

Donachie says the goals-against column is something which has long needed improving but he feels the club's attacking traditions don't lend themselves to developing a mean backline: "The amount of goals we have conceded has always been a problem and has concerned me every season.

"It is part of the philosophy of the club to concentrate on playing football and attacking. Defending has never been a priority here and that has always worried me but sometimes you have to go along with the philosophy of the club.

"You can't go to Spurs and expect them to play like Wimbledon. Ipswich has traditions, which I can't change, but I would like to add defensive strengths and a more resolute attitude as well as playing football. It has been difficult and my aim next year is to develop a much more resolute defensive attitude.

The problem stems from both personnel and the way the team is set up. Last year we were built on scoring goals but ultimately you have to be set up defensively.

"The mentality here has always been Ipswich are a good footballing team and are less bothered with the basics of the game, which are vital.”

Town are looking to sign a central defender in his early 20s over the summer, while they could also target a more defensive midfielder with Kevin Horlock, Jim Magilton and perhaps Jimmy Juan all leaving Portman Road in the summer.

What to read next:

O'Shea and Ogbene Win Caps as Ireland Fall to Last-Gasp Defeat in Portugal
Blues skipper Dara O’Shea and on-loan wideman Chieo Ogbene were in the Republic of Ireland side which fell to a last-gasp 1-0 defeat to World Cup qualification group leaders Portugal in Lisbon.
Slicker Sent Off After Final Whistle
On-loan Blues keeper Cieran Slicker was shown a red card after the final whistle having recorded his third clean sheet in four games as Barnet won 2-0 at Tranmere in League Two.
Sheehan: Birmingham the Strongest Team in the League
Town Women’s boss Joe Sheehan believes his side will be facing the strongest team in WSL2 when they host Birmingham City at the JobServe Community Stadium in Colchester on Sunday afternoon (KO 2pm).
Neville: I've Settled in On and Off the Pitch
Ipswich Town Women’s right-back Grace Neville says she’s settled into life with the Blues on and off the field, the New Zealand international having made the move from London City Lionesses following their promotion to the WSL in the summer.
O'Shea: I've Enjoyed First Months as Captain
Town skipper Dara O’Shea says he has enjoyed his first two months as Blues captain and believes the club’s trust has enabled him to flourish.
Blues Quartet Set For Irish Caps
Town quartet Dara O’Shea, Kasey McAteer, Jack Taylor and Chieo Ogbene could all add to their international caps when the Republic of Ireland take on Portugal in a World Cup qualifier in Lisbon this evening (KO 7.45pm, Amazon Prime).
Nunez First Town Player to Win Chile Cap
Marcelino Nunez became the first Town player to win a cap for Chile as his side came from behind to beat Peru 2-1 in a friendly in Santiago overnight.
Walle Egeli Out of Norway U21s Squad
Town forward Sindre Walle Egeli missed Norway U21s’ friendly in Spain this evening having withdrawn from the squad.
Young Joins Chatham On Loan
Blues U21s midfielder Tyler Young has joined Isthmian League Premier Division Chatham Town on loan.
Town Expelled From Suffolk Premier Cup
Town have been excluded from this year’s Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their first-round win at Hadleigh United last month.